CHARACTERS IN ACTS:
A matter of the heart
By Harry Uprichard
Day One. 125 pages £6
ISBN 978 1 846 256 226
This book is not a commentary on the Book of Acts, but rather a character study of seven individuals in Acts.
They are the Ethiopian eunuch, Paul, Lydia, the Philippian jailor, Felix, Festus and Agrippa.
True conversion
The author seeks to show how each encountered the gospel and how they responded, some to conversion and some to rejection, and how God works in different ways to bring about true conversion. For example, his chapter on the conversion of Lydia begins with a comparison of the circumstances of her conversion with that of Paul. It is far more than just an interesting study of these characters, because it demonstrates the true nature of the gospel and how conversion involves repentance and faith in Christ’s work. Where there is so much confusion over what conversion really is, this book will plainly lead the reader to a biblical understanding of the subject.
It is a well-written book, profitable for believers and unbelievers alike. Having described the individual’s experience of the gospel, each chapter concludes with two or three reflections which are designed to make the reader think carefully.
Although Mr Uprichard is of Presbyterian persuasion, those of a different theological bent will find no difficulty in using the book. For example, the chapter on the Ethiopian eunuch makes no comment on the mode of baptism, but asserts the importance of it following conversion.
This book can be thoroughly recommended and reading it has encouraged me to seek out some of the other titles written by Dr Uprichard.
